GENERAL SECRETARY

ADR SOCIETY APPOINTS OBEGOLU AS PATRON

Bar Leader and former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Secretary, Mr. Emeka Obegolu SAN has been appointed the Patron of National ADR Society.

A statement made available to CITY LAWYER indicated that the appointment was in “extreme gratitude for your (Obegolu’s) show of support in such short timing, and in high appreciation of your good office.”

Continuing, the association wrote: “Words are unable to convey our joy as we welcome you on board, even so as we respectfully acknowledge your great work and impact in the ADR professional space.”

Below is the full text of the statement. 

EMEKA OBEGOLU, SAN APPOINTED PATRON OF NATIONAL ADR SOCIETY

The National ADR Society has appointed Emeka Obegolu, SAN as its Patron. In a letter, dated 2nd September, 2022, conveyed to the Learned Silk, the society state; “We write to you with extreme gratitude for your show of support in such short timing sir, and in high appreciation of your good office and we officially invite you to come on board as an esteemed Patron to the National Alternative Dispute Resolution Society (NADRS) to aid in the fulfilment of the Society’s objectives and goals towards the enhancement and promotion of ADR knowledge, experience and skills”.

The National ADR Society as a student based body is the umbrella body of ADR chapters in tertiary institutions across the country, and the body currently has 13 established ADR chapters, with Prince Abubukar Audu University as the 14th unit.

It is worthy to note that Emeka Obegolu, SAN is a Legal Practitioner by training and an Arbitrator and Mediator by passion. He is a senior and founding Partner of Greenfield Chambers with a Ph.D. in Arbitration.

He is an expert in ADR, holding Fellowship of a number of professional bodies including the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC) and the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (UK). He is an alumnus of the Harvard Law School Program on Negotiation and a certified ADR Trainer with a specialization in Negotiation, Mediation, Conciliation, Arbitration and Arbitral Secretarial Services.

While expressing gratitude to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria for accepting the appointment, the letter further reads, “Words are unable to convey our joy as we welcome you on board, even so as we respectfully acknowledge your great work and impact in the ADR professional space.”

It continues thus, “We hold you in very high esteem and we thank you for your kind consideration Sir: We look forward to the great impact your presence will undoubtedly bring about to the Administrative team, the Student body and the general student community.”

The President of the National ADR Society, Osaretin Catherine Amadasun, AICMC, who signed the letter explained that part of the Society’s current administration structure is to establish an all-inclusive and well recognised student based body for the promotion and enhancement of ADR related activities amongst the student community, foster awareness, growth, enlightenment of the fast growing ADR sphere among ADR enthusiasts whilst providing the platform from which ADR opportunities are derived, to in their career development.

‘I WAS SEVERELY PERSECUTED AS NBA GENERAL SECRETARY, ‘ SAYS ODUAH

Immediate past Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Secretary Joyce Oduah has said that she “was severely persecuted by those who unjustly tried to bring me down for same reason.”

In a “Thank You” message to NBA members made available to CITY LAWYER, Oduah who had a running battle with the NBA leadership in the twilight of her tenure, said that she has “great confidence in the new leadership of the Bar and believe that they will, like I did while serving the Bar, uphold and defend the grundnorm of the Association, the NBA Constitution, at all times and selflessly.”

Below is the full text of her statement.

THANK YOU MESSAGE FROM JOYCE ODUAH FICMC, GENERAL SECRETARY OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION (2020 – 2022)

It is with great humility and a heart full of joy, appreciation and gratitude to God and all of you, members of our great Association, the NBA, that I write this thank you message.

As you all are aware, my official service as the General Secretary of the Bar ended on the 26th of August 2022, as we successfully handed over the baton of leadership to the New Executive Committee to move the Bar forward. I have great confidence in the new leadership of the Bar and believe that they will, like I did while serving the Bar, uphold and defend the grundnorm of the Association, the NBA Constitution, at all times and selflessly.

I want to specially thank all members of association and particularly those who have supported me throughout my Service to the Bar as the General Secretary and stood by me as we passed through the very eventful last weeks of our tenure.

In line with my campaign promises, it was my resolve to serve the Bar with all sense of integrity, dedication to quality service delivery, in accordance with the NBA Constitution and upholding the rule of law , which is the primary mandate of our noble Association. This resolve, I am glad to inform you, was the panacea of my service throughout my tenure as General Secretary of the Bar even when I was severely persecuted by those who unjustly tried to bring me down for same reason.

This thank you message should have come earlier than now, but for the overwhelming, unwarranted, mala fide and desperate attack against me by people who thought they could bully and overwhelm me. Thankfully, owing to the ever abundant grace of the Almighty God and the overwhelming support I got from you, dear colleagues, I was neither overwhelmed nor bullied into silence. I will not bore you with the details of the shameful events of our last days in office as we all witnessed them together, and I strongly believe that posterity will vindicate the just. Those that peddled specific lies against me will answer in due time.

During my service to the Bar as the General Secretary and in line my promises while asking for your support to serve the Bar, we achieved successes and lifted the Bar in many ways. Some of our achievements during my stewardship are as stated below:

During my campaign, I promised our members that upon being elected as General Secretary, I will work to introduce technology into the functioning of the NBA by creating an NBA App which will serve as a one stop platform for every member of the Association. This will engage and synergize the stakeholders – lawyers, law firms, 125 branches of the NBA (now 128) and enhance easy access to NBA resources and materials. It is with great joy and delight that I inform you that after much persuasion and work this NBA APP was launched on the 25th of August, 2022 before the Annual General Meeting;
Effective management of the NBA National Secretariat;
An ICT based Innovative Secretariat;
Effective records keeping;
Effective planning and organizing of meetings;
Effective communication and management of correspondence.

In a special way, I must thank the Bar Leaders and Elders who supported, advised and guided me to achieve so much in my service to the Bar; noble Elders and Leaders that stood on the side of the truth when it mattered.

I thank my super husband who was a pillar of support throughout my tenure and especially in the last few weeks; I could not have asked for a better soulmate. I am indeed blessed to have such wonderful children who have stood and continue to stand by me. I appreciate my dear sister for her support. I am grateful to my Bishop, Archdeacon, Vicar, Priests and all the members of my church for their prayers and well wishes.

I must thank and appreciate my Secretariat staff and colleagues whom without their overwhelming support, I would not have achieved so much in office. I am also grateful to my legal team.

I remain forever grateful.

Dear Colleagues, it is with a heart full of joy and gratefulness to God that I officially inform you all that owing to my excellent service to the Bar, I was elected the Vice President (West Africa) of Pan African Lawyers Union, PALU. I am counting on your continued support in this new assignment.

Once again, I thank you all for your continued support and wish you all the best Legal Year ever in advance. I also wish the current administration a successful tenure.

My most thanks to God Almighty without whom I can do nothing.

God Bless the Nigerian Bar Association;
God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Joyce Oduah, FICMC.
General Secretary,
Nigerian Bar Association. 2020 -2022

SUSPENSION: ODUAH’S LAWYER REACTS, SAYS RATIFICATION A MOCKERY

The Lead Counsel to Mrs. Joyce Oduah, the suspended General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Muritala Abdul-rasheed SAN has condemned NBA National Executive Council (NBA-NEC) for ratifying her suspension by the National Officers.

Asked whether he was satisfied with the outcome of yesterday’s NBA-NEC meeting which fell short of impeaching Oduah due to a pending lawsuit at the Federal High Court, Abdul-rasheed said cryptically: “Not at all!”

He told CITY LAWYER that “It (ratification) is a decision that made mockery of the fundamental objective of the NBA.”

CITY LAWYER recalls that NBA National Officers had in a unanimous decision resolved to suspend Oduah from her position, accusing her of gross misconduct. NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata recused himself from the meeting, given his face-off with Oduah. The National Officers had also resolved to recommend Oduah to the NBA-NEC for “removal from office for gross misconduct.”

In an email to NBA members obtained by CITY LAWYER informing them of the resolution to suspend Oduah as General Secretary and signed by nine of the 11 NBA National Executive Committee members, the committee stated that the suspension was based on “weighty allegations against the General Secretary, Mrs Joyce Oduah in particular her acts of alleged disobedience to the President, the National Executive Council of the Association (NBA-NEC) and the National Executive Committee.”

The Committee also stated that “At the end of the deliberations, the National Executive Committee by a unanimous decision, resolved to refer the General Secretary, Mrs Joyce Oduah to NBA-NEC for disciplinary action under the provisions of section 20(1) of the NBA Constitution 2015 (as amended in 2021) and to recommend her removal from office for gross misconduct.”

Oduah however fought back, dragging NBA to the Federal High Court. Her attempt to secure interim reliefs and superintend over the NBA Secretariat at today’s meeting failed as the court refused to grant her interim reliefs. The matter has been adjourned to Tuesday for hearing of her Motion on Notice.

Oduah had urged NBA-NEC members to refrain from taking any action that may lead to her removal as General Secretary, citing the court case.

Writing on Oduah’s behalf to members of the NBA National Executive Council (NEC), Abdul-rasheed blamed Akpata from Oduah’s travails.

In an email sent to all NBA-NEC members among others, Abdul-rasheed stated that the suspended NBA General Secretary “received notice of a purported resolution passed by the Members of the National Executive Committee the NBA under the supervision and manipulation of Mr. Olumide Akpata, the 31st President of the Nigerian Bar Association.”

Dated August 18, 2022, the email was copied to the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, NBA Trustees, all Senior Advocates of Nigeria, members of the Body of Benchers, National Executive Committee members, chairmen and secretaries of NBA branches, co-opted NBA-NEC members, past NBA National Officers, and all NBA members.

Abdul-rasheed argued that the suspension of a National Officer “is not contemplated by the Constitution of the NBA,” adding that “members of the Executive Committee have no vires to discipline or suspend our client from office as they purport to do in their misguided resolution.”

He prayed the NBA-NEC members to respect the pending case, noting that Oduah is “the center gravity and engine room of NBA-NEC meetings” and that “The purported suspension of our client was illegally carried out.”

The email which was titled “RE: SUIT NO : FHC /ABJ/CS/1426 /2022 Between: Mrs . Joyce Oduah V . The Incorp. Trustees of the NBA,” noted that the matter came up for hearing last Thursday, adding that “At the proceedings, the Incoorporated (sic) Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association was represented by Mr. Solomon Umoh, SAN, while Mr. Olumide Akpata, the President of the NBA, was in Court in person and represented by Mr. Godwin Omoaka, SAN. The Defendants therefore are aware of the pendency of the action.”

Noting that NBA’s core objective “is promotion and protection of the principles of rule of law and respect for fundamental rights, human rights and people’s rights, Oduah’s counsel stated that “we have our client’s instruction to to respectfully pray the NBA-NEC thus:

i. that all steps be taken by the NEC to ensure the pending litigation and proceedings of the Honourable Court is respected;

ii. that all parties to the pending litigation respect the rule of law and desist from taking any steps, action(s), move motion(s) and/or pass resolution(s) and/or not doing anything capable of jeopardizing and/or disrespecting the pending proceedings before the Honourable Court; and

iii. that the subject matter of the pending litigation, which is now caught by the doctrine of les pendens, is not discussed, put to vote, motion(s), resolution(s) and/or decided upon by the NEC.”

In a veiled reference to Akpata, Abdul-rasheed prayed that “NEC will NOT allow any member, no matter how highly placed or influential, to surreptitiously move her to take any of the above actions.”

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WHY ABUJA COURT REFUSED INTERIM RELIEFS TO ODUAH: THE INSIDE STORY

The quest by suspended Nigerian Bar Association General Secretary Joyce Oduah to return to her position was scuttled by the similarity in the prayers sought in the plaintiff’s two applications before the court, CITY LAWYER can authoritatively report.

According to a source who attended the court hearing, though NBA had urged Justice A. R. Mohammed of the Federal High Court not to entertain Oduah’s ex-parte application due to the association’s preliminary objection against the lawsuit, the court insisted on hearing the motion.

Among the defendants are the Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association; NBA President, Mr. Olumide Akpata; other National Officers and the Inspector-General of Police. The ex-parte application had sought to restrain the NBA and other defendants from giving effect to Oduah’s suspension by the NBA National Executive Committee among other reliefs.

Oduah’s Counsel, Mr. Ayotunde Ogunleye had informed the court of the pendency of an ex-parte application dated and filed on 16th August, 2022. He sought to move the application.

In opposing the application, Mr. Solomon Umoh (SAN) and Mr. Godwin Omoaka (SAN) announced their appearances on behalf of the Incorporated Trustees of the Nigerian Bar Association and Mr. Olumide Akpata respectively, the 1st and 2nd Defendants, and informed the court that the matter was brought to their attention through social media.

Omoaka told the court that a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear Oduah’s suit as well as the ex-parte application had been filed on behalf of the two defendants.

He argued that the law is settled that where an objection to the jurisdiction of the court is raised, the court has an obligation to hear the objection first before attending to any other matter or application.

Omoaka then urged the court to set down the Preliminary Objection for hearing and ahead of hearing of the applicant’s ex-parte application.

Ogunleye however objected to Omoaka’s submissions, arguing that the business of the day was the hearing of the ex-parte application. He stated that the rules of court and judicial precedents are clear that where a defendant is present at the hearing of an ex-parte motion, he can only be seen and not heard.

Replying on points of law, Omoaka distinguished the authorities cited by Oduah’s Counsel from the case at hand and urged the court to first set down the preliminary objection for hearing.

In a short ruling, the court agreed with Omoaka that where a preliminary objection is raised, the court has a duty to hear it first. Justice Mohammed however held that the business of the day was the hearing of the ex-parte motion.

The court further held that it would exercise its discretion to hear the ex-parte application and set down the preliminary objection for hearing at a later date. This paved the way for Ogunleye to move the ex-parte application.

Ogunleye prayed the court for various injunctive and preservative reliefs.

In its ruling on the ex-parte motion, the court observed that the reliefs sought were the same as the reliefs sought in Oduah’s Motion on Notice. It declined to grant the prayers and ordered that the defendants be put on notice.

The matter was then adjourned to Tuesday, August 23, 2022 for hearing of the applicant’s Motion on Notice.

The Lead Counsel to Oduah and former Chief of Staff to NBA President, Mr. Murtala Abdul-Rasheed (SAN) had confirmed the ruling to CITY LAWYER , saying: “The court has directed that we put the respondents on notice and come back on Tuesday.”

It is unclear how the ruling will impact the scheduled NBA National Executive Council Meeting scheduled to hold on Sunday. Among the resolutions of the National Officers is their resolve to ask the NBA-NEC to remove or impeach the suspended General Secretary.

According to a Motion Ex-parte obtained by CITY LAWYER, the plaintiff is seeking “AN ORDER OF INTERIM INJUNCTION OF THIS HONOURABLE COURT, pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice, restraining the Defendants by themselves, through their officers, servants, privies, agents or any other persons(s), agencies or individuals deriving power, command, authority, instruction or directives from it from acting or relying on or continuing to rely on, act on, implement, give effect to, interfere with or do anything to the prejudice of the Plaintiff/Applicant based on the decision document titled: “Resolution of the Meeting of the National Executive Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association held on 15 August, 2022” wherein the Plaintiff/Applicant was purportedly suspended from office as the General Secretary of the 1st Defendant/Respondent by the 3rd to 11th Defendants/Respondents.”

Oduah also prayed for an order “restraining the Defendants by themselves, through their officers, servants, privies, agents or any other persons(s), agencies or individuals deriving power, command, authority, instruction or directives from them from suspending/removing the Plaintiff/Applicant as the General Secretary of the 1st Defendant/Respondent (the Nigerian Bar Association).”

While urging the court to bar Ms. Uche Nwadialo from acting in her stead, the plaintiff also prayed for “AN ORDER OF INTERIM INJUNCTION pending the hearing and determination of the Motion on Notice restraining the 2nd to 11th Respondents, either by themselves, their servants, privies, officers, agents, cronies or howsoever from further harassing, threatening, intimidating, assaulting and/or attacking the Plaintiff/Applicant for any reason whatsoever.”

She has also prayed for police protection should the court grant the injunction, urging the court to grant “AN ORDER directing the 12th Defendant/Respondent (Inspector General of Police), and/or other officers under his Command and/or the Commissioner of Police, and all other officers as the Commissioner of Police may designate and Court Bailiffs to assist the Plaintiff/Applicant in the discharge of her duties as the General Secretary of the 1st Defendant/Respondent together with all other rights of whatever kind deriving from or incidental to any of the foregoing orders and also in execution of the orders herein made.”

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‘I WILL FIX DELAYS IN STAMP AND SEAL REGIME,’ SAYS DESMOND YAMAH

DELAYS IN RECEIVING STAMP AND SEALS BY LAWYERS CAN BE AVOIDED

Lawyers after payment of Bar Practice Fees (BPF) need not apply formally for STAMPS as this causes administrative bottlenecks resulting in avoidable delays.

Stamps should be produced by the National Secretariat on the confirmation of payment of the BPF and release in batches through registered courier companies to the branches, who will in turn release to members on confirmation of the payment of Branch dues.

In this case all lawyers will get their Stamps on or before the 31st day of March of every year or a week thereafter for those who pay on 31st March of every year.

This will guarantee a seamless stamps delivery process.

YAMAH DESMOND – MAKING THE NATIONAL SECRETARIAT WORK FOR ALL 

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EDE ASENOGUAN WISHES MUSLIM FAITHFUL EID MUBARAK

ASENOGUAN OSAMUEDE ISOBOMUWA, CANDIDATE FOR NBA GENERAL SECRETARY WISHES ALL MUSLIM FAITHFUL EID MUBARAK

As the Muslim world celebrates Eid-el-Kabir, a feast that signifies total submission to the will of Allah and the willingness to make sacrifices in reverence of him, Mr. Asenoguan has sent out a message to Muslim faithful wishing them happy celebrations. He equally enjoined them to pray for the country. Read his message below.

“It gives me great pleasure to wish my Muslim friends, colleagues and associates Eid Mubarak on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

Regardless of the crunching economic situation in the country, I enjoin all Muslim faithful to not despair but celebrate as much as they can, while also praying for peace, unity and progress for the country, following the footsteps of the prophet Ibrahim who while praying for the best submitted totally to the will of Allah in high spirit.

Once again I wish you all happy celebrations and holidays ahead.

Thank you.”

Asenoguan Osamuede Isobomuwa
Candidate for the position of General Secretary of the NBA 2022-2024

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EDE ASENOGUAN APPLAUDS NBA LAGOS ON AGM

ASENOGUAN OSAMUEDE ISOBOMUWA, CANDIDATE FOR NBA GENERAL SECRETARY CONGRATULATES NBA, LAGOS BRANCH FOR A SUCCESSFUL CONDUCT OF ITS ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

Yesterday, 8th July, 2022, the NBA, Lagos branch successfully conducted its Annual General Meeting, consequent upon which Mr. Asenoguan has penned down a congratulatory message to the branch. The consummate barman who was in attendance at the meeting had the following words to say.

“I am delighted to congratulate the leadership and members of the excellence driven NBA, Lagos branch (Premier Bar) on account of the successful conduct of their Annual General Meeting yesterday 8th July, 2022.

As usual, the meeting reflected the sterling qualities of the Lagos Bar, which qualities have distinguished the branch year in, year out.

I am particularly delighted by the display of hospitality toward my person each time I have cause to commune with the Lagos branch. Once again I had the opportunity of sharing my thoughts with the members of the branch and expressing my innate will to serve. For this I am most grateful.

Thank you and God bless.”

Asenoguan Osamuede Isobomuwa
Candidate for the position of General Secretary of the NBA 2022-2024

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EDE ASENOGUAN LAUDS NBA WARRI, EFFURUN ON SMOOTH TRANSITION

ASENOGUAN OSAMUEDE ISOBOMUWA CANDIDATE, FOR NBA GENERAL SECRETARY CONGRATULATES NBA WARRI AND EFFURUN BRANCHES ON THE SMOOTH CONDUCT OF THEIR BRANCH ELECTIONS

Among the recent NBA branches that have conducted elections to usher in new branch executives are Warri and Effurun. Mr Asenoguan, a prominent candidate for NBA general secretary has congratulated the stated branches for smooth transitioning. He stated as follows:

“It gives me great pleasure to congratulate the Warri and Effurun branches of the NBA on the successful conduct of their branch elections, bringing to fore fresh set of minds to consolidate on the gains of the past administration.

Smooth transitioning is a sign of unity and progress for branches. It equally engenders a sense of belonging for every member of the branch. It is on this note that I enjoin the new branch executives to carry everyone along in administering the affairs of the branch; by this, they too would be setting a solid foundation for future smooth transitioning.

May the Effurun and Warri branches of the NBA always prosper in their endeavours.

Thank you and God bless.”

Asenoguan Osamuede Isobomuwa
Candidate for the position of General Secretary of the NBA 2022-2024

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VERIFICATION: DESMOND YAMAH ROUSES ELIGIBLE VOTERS

HAVE YOU BEEN VERIFIED?

TAKE NOTE!!!

The deadline for verification is Monday, June, 27th, 2022.
Two days to go.

HOW TO VERIFY:
Log into; https://nigerianbar.org.ng/nba/bpfv2/check_status to access and validate your details on the NBA site.

*STEP 1
Click on the link

*STEP 2
Input your Supreme Court number beside ‘SCN’ for example SCN 055555

*STEP 3
Click Verify

*STEP 4
Check your mail or text message, copy the OTP sent and paste it on the column provided and click validate.

TEAMDESMONDYAMAH 4 General Secretary.

NBA – Membership

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EDE ASENOGUAN APPLAUDS NBA GBOKO ON PARLEY

ASENOGUAN OSAMUEDE ISOBOMUWA, CANDIDATE FOR NBA GENERAL SECRETARY GREETS THE NBA, GBOKO BRANCH AS THEY CONDUCT THEIR MONTHLY MEETING

Read below Mr Asenoguan’s goodwill message to the Gboko branch of the NBA as they conduct their monthly general meeting today, 19th June, 2022.

“I am delighted to convey my greetings to the distinguished leadership and members of the NBA, Gboko branch on account of their general monthly meeting holding today, 19th June, 2022, many of whom are my very close friends and associates.

Branch meetings are the avenue through which the branch is steered towards greater heights. The Gboko branch has a history of making judicious use of its meetings for strictly progressive ventures. Hence I am certain that this meeting will be even better in this regard.

I wish you all a resoundingly successful meeting.

Thanks you and God bless”

Signed:

Asenoguan Osamuede Isobomuwa, Esq.

Past Chairman NBA Benin,

Candidate for NBA General Secretary

NBA ELECTIONS: IKEJA BRANCH ENDORSES ADESINA ADEGBITE FOR GENERAL SECRETARY

FEATURED

NBA Ikeja Branch Endorses Adesina Adegbite As Sole Candidate For General Secretary. 

It was all cheers and glitz as the NBA Ikeja Branch the local Branch of Adesina Adegbite popularly known as AA unanimously adopted him as the Branch’s sole candidate for General Secretary.

At the Monthly Meeting of the NBA Ikeja Branch held on Monday 6th January, 2002. the Branch Chairman, Bartholomew Aguegbodo Esq, who presided over the meeting emphasized the need for the Branch members to give maximum support to its candidate and Past Secretary of the Branch, Adesina Adegbite who is a candidate for the office of General Secretary in the forthcoming NBA Elections . He advised that no vote of the Branch should be wasted.

While still basking in the euphoria of conviviality and camaraderie that pervaded the air, a senior member of the Branch Chief Afam Ofomata (A.K.A Multiple Chief) moved the motion for the adoption of Adesina Adegbite as the sole candidate of the Branch and same was seconded by another senior member of the Branch Chief Samson Omodara. The meeting also endorsed Mandy Asagba and Charles Ajiboye for 3rd Vice President and Assistant Publicity Secretary respectively.

AA was full of praises to his members and assured them that just as he had served them in several capacities in the past and served creditably, he will serve them even more creditably this time around, if given the opportunity to serve again.

#AAIsIndeedTrulyLoved

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EGBE AMOFIN O’ODUA ELECTS OLAGUNJU AS CHAIR

Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Secretary and Chairman of the Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, Chief Isiaka Olagunju SAN has been elected as Chairman of the Governing Council of Egbe Amofin O’odua, the one-time influential lawyers’ regional bloc.

A statement made available to CITY LAWYER reads:

AARE ISIAKA OLAGUNJU SAN, TOYIN BASHORUN SAN, OSO ADETUNJI, OLAYINKA SOKOYA AND OTHERS ELECTED TO PILOT THE AFFAIRS OF EGBE AMOFIN O’ODUA.

History was made today in the city of Ibadan, Oyo State as members of Egbe Amofin converged to elect members of the Governing Council.

Aare ISIAKA OLAGUNJU SAN was elected as the Chairman, MRS. TOYIN BASHORUN SAN as Vice Chairman, Adetunji Oso Esq. as Secretary, Olayinka Sokoya as Publicity Secretary, Rotimi Olorunfemi as Treasurer, Paul Oluwaseyi Akomolafe as Welfare Secretary, Ikujuni Ademola as Asst. Secretary, Moshood Abiola as Auditor. By the Constitution of the Forum, the elected members of the executives are to serve for two years.

In his speech after they were sworn in, Aare Isiaka Olagunju past General Secretary of the NBA promised to set the ball rolling immediately. He assures members that the new leadership of Egbe will bring back eminent members of Egbe who had stayed away from the activities of Egbe Amofin O’odua to rejuvenate the forum.

He however asked that a minute silence be observed in honour of Chief Bamidele Aiku SAN for his vision and passion for Egbe Amofin O’odua before his demise.

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  • EMEKA NWADIOKE
  • May 12, 2022
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  • Comments Off on ‘FASHION WAYS TO THRIVE IN VOLATILE ENVIRONMENT,’ TAIDI URGES NBA JALINGO BRANCH

‘FASHION WAYS TO THRIVE IN VOLATILE ENVIRONMENT,’ TAIDI URGES NBA JALINGO BRANCH

GOODWILL MESSAGE TO NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION JALINGO BRANCH ON HER 2022 LAW WEEK

I felicitate with the Chairman and Members of the Nigerian Bar Association Jalingo Branch on the occasion of her 2022 Law Week.

The theme: “Legal Practice In A Volatile Democracy: The Nigerian Experience” provides opportunity for a thorough x-ray of our practice over the years especially in the midst of insecurity, economic strangulation and rampant maladministration of justice.

The law week therefore becomes a platform to direct and reflect on the impediments to legal practice with a view to fine tuning strategies that will help us better cope with the existing quagmire.

I urge distinguished colleagues to participate fully in the discussions at this epoch gathering and come up with practical and enduring solutions on how legal practice can thrive in such a volatile environment as ours.

Wishing you all a fruitful and memorable law week.

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq.
NBA General Secretary (2018 – 2020)

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  • EMEKA NWADIOKE
  • Mar 31, 2022
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  • Comments Off on TAIDI CONDOLES NBA OVER TRAIN ATTACK, ASKS FG TO ACT

TAIDI CONDOLES NBA OVER TRAIN ATTACK, ASKS FG TO ACT

The immediate past Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) General Secretary, Mr. Jonathan Taidi has condoled the NBA leadership on the death of some lawyers in the attack on the Abuja-Kaduna train.

Extending his condolence message to the Chairman and members of NBA Kaduna Branch in particular over the loss of three of its members, Taidi said: “My deepest sympathy is with all the families who lost their loved ones on board the train as I join my voice to those who demand that the government immediately accounts for those whose whereabouts are still unknown.”

He urged the Federal Government to act fast to arrest the spate of attacks across the country, adding: “I hereby call on the Federal Government to stop the foot dragging, the feckless reassurances, and the crocodile tears, and actually make drastic changes to the current methodology of crime fighting. It is obvious that whatever it has done till now has not worked and had instead emboldened the bandits to perpetuate even worse atrocities.”

Below is the full text of the statement made available to CITY LAWYER.

TIME TO OVERHAUL NIGERIA’S SECURITY ARCHITECTURE

INCESSANT INSECURITY: THE FEDERAL GOVERNMENT MUST ACT NOW TO END THESE SENSELESS KILLINGS

The recent twin-attack on the popular Abuja – Kaduna rail line which killed a score of passengers, and left many more wounded or unaccounted for is proof that the Federal Government of Nigeria is sleeping on duty. The second attack actually came within 24 hours of the first and both came only a year after a similar attack was launched on the railway last year shortly after the route became popular as a result of the incessant kidnappings and killings along the Abuja- Kaduna road which made the rail a safer alternative.

Now the bandits have taken away that alternative and we are forced to live like people under permanent siege.

It is impossible to excuse the kind of incompetence that is at work here. At every election we see a massive deployment of security personnel, in their tens of thousands, outside their places of primary assignment, drafted to police the polls, so the question is: why are we not seeing the same kind of commitment now when there is a clear and present danger to the lives of our people traveling this route?

It seems that as far as the government is concerned, winning elections takes precedence over the sacred duty of protecting the lives and property of the people, which is universally acknowledged as the first function of government.

For how long shall we continue to mourn and grieve the loss of our loved ones, colleagues and compatriots while also living in fear for our lives because we know that no one is safe anymore in this country?

I hereby call on the Federal Government to stop the foot dragging, the feckless reassurances, and the crocodile tears, and actually make drastic changes to the current methodology of crime fighting. It is obvious that whatever it has done till now has not worked and had instead emboldened the bandits to perpetuate even worse atrocities.

May I use this medium to commiserate with the president and members of the Nigerian Bar Association in general and the Chairman and Members of NBA Kaduna Branch in particular over the loss of three of its members. My deepest sympathy is with all the families who lost their loved ones on board the train as I join my voice to those who demand that the government immediately accounts for those whose whereabouts are still unknown.

This Government Must Act Now!

Jonathan Gunu Taidi, Esq.
NBA General Secretary (2018 -2020)

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GENERAL SECRETARY: ODUAH GETS ECNBA’S NOD TO RUN

Former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Treasurer, Joyce Oduah has his chances of clinching the post of General Secretary boosted at the weekend with the green light given to her by the Electoral Committee of the NBA (ECNBA). The electoral committee listed the erstwhile NBA Lagos Branch Publicity Secretary as one of the candidates to compete for the influential General Secretary position.

In a statement made available to CITY LAWYER, Oduah expressed delight at her clearance by the electoral committee, adding that “this is another milestone in our mission to transform the NBA National Secretariat and make it more responsive, robust and forward-looking.”

The full text of the statement reads:

My distinguished colleagues and teeming supporters, it is with great delight that I announce to you that the Electoral Committee of the Nigerian Bar Association (ECNBA) has granted me final clearance to contest for the Office of the General Secretary of the NBA in the 2020 NBA National Elections, scheduled to hold from the 29th – 30th of July, 2020. This is contained in the ECNBA Statement 013, which was released and published on the NBA website in the early hours of today, Saturday, 4th July 2020. I thank God Almighty for making this possible and I thank you too, my teeming supporters, for your unwavering support and sacrifices. Indeed, this is another milestone in our mission to transform the NBA National Secretariat and make it more responsive, robust and forward-looking.

While I appreciate your continued support, I also enjoin you to verify and update your details on the NBA website on or before 15th July 2020, to enable you access the voting portal during the elections. The NBA website has a membership portal for all lawyers who are enrolled at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, similar to the portal on the International Bar Association (IBA) website. Verification is completely free and seamless.

To get verified, please visit the NBA Membership Portal on the NBA website or click this link https://nigerianbar.org.ng/membership-portal

Thank you and do have a great weekend.

Joyce Oduah, FICMC
National Treasurer, NBA, 2012-2014.
#BeyondRecordingMinutes

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  • EMEKA NWADIOKE
  • Jun 30, 2020
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  • Comments Off on NBA GENERAL SECRETARY: SAN, OTHERS BACK ALEX MUOKA

NBA GENERAL SECRETARY: SAN, OTHERS BACK ALEX MUOKA

  • EX YOUNG LAWYERS’ FORUM CHAIR, TOO

The quest by former Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Lagos Branch Chairman, Mr. Alex Muoka to clinch the influential seat of NBA General Secretary received a major boost today with his endorsement by leading white-collar litigator, Mr. Chijioke Okoli SAN.

A former (NBA), Lagos Branch Chairman himself, Okoli said that Muoka “unquestionably ticks all the requisite boxes” in the run-up to the elections, adding that having lived a life of service to the Bar, “I have no doubt at all that the NBA would be putting its best leg forward if we elect Alex Muoka as our General Secretary in the coming elections.”

Similar endorsements also came from former Chairman of NBA Lagos Branch Young Lawyers’ Forum (YLF), Ms. Derin Fagbure and the Head of Chambers, A. Muoka & Co., Layo Olugbemi.

Below are the full texts of their endorsements:

CHIJIOKE OKOLI, SAN
ENDORSEMENT OF ALEX MUOKA FOR THE OFFICE OF NBA GENERAL SECRETARY
It is axiomatic that the bane of Nigerian socio-political space in general, of which the Nigerian Bar Association [NBA] is a significant stakeholder, has been the persistently faulty leadership selection processes and choices. Whilst strong institutions are crucially important, it is good men and women who are fit-for-purpose that could, and would, build those institutions. For the NBA, the Secretariat is its engine room and it is critical that care is specially taken in choosing its helmsman, the General Secretary. The occupant must have what it takes to meet the great demands of that high office.

It is for the reason that Alex Muoka unquestionably ticks all the requisite boxes that I am not only supporting him, I nominated him for election to the office. He has managed to be an outstanding lawyer whilst living a life of service to the Bar. As Secretary of the NBA Lagos Branch, apart from reorganizing the Branch Secretariat and making it palpably more efficient, he had a unique and refreshing spin to his writings that the members looked forward to reading minutes of branch meetings and reports the way John Grisham afficionados look forward to his new offerings.

Muoka went on to become Chairman of the Lagos Branch and continued with his record of excellent record of service to the Bar; bringing to the table of leadership good management of men and resources, gravitas, inclusiveness, strength of character and remarkable integrity. His cosmopolitan background and worldview also equip him well, as happened in his tenure as the Chairman of Lagos Branch, to navigate adroitly for optimum performance in the office of General Secretary of an NBA constituted of lawyers of diverse backgrounds and interests.

My dear learned friends, I have no doubt at all that the NBA would be putting its best leg forward if we elect Alex Muoka as our General Secretary in the coming elections.

DERIN FAGBURE
FORMER CHAIRMAN, NBA LAGOS BRANCH YOUNG LAWYERS’ FORUM

Mr Alex Muoka, ‘Oga mi’, as I call him, is a man of his words. He has a good command of language and could make a joke out of the most serious things. It is no wonder he is a highly sought-after compere at legal events, both formal and informal. Mind you, behind those jokes, deep thought is given to the legal implications of the conversation.

As a past Chairman of the Young Lawyers’ Forum of the NBA Lagos Branch, I can attest to the fact that he has the welfare of young lawyers at heart. He is a Senior who relates well with the younger members of the Bar, and appreciates the importance of mentorship. Mr Muoka is not one to make empty promises, and I, therefore, am truly convinced that he would carry out the promises in his manifesto, to the letter.

I wholeheartedly endorse Mr. Alex Muoka for the position of General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association.

Ms. Derin Fagbure
Former Chairman
NBA Lagos Branch YLF

LAYO OLUGBEMI
HEAD OF CHAMBERS, A. MUOKA & CO
I have had the opportunity of working in the law-firm of ‘A. Muoka & Co.’ for more than a decade.

Alex Muoka is a fine gentleman who brings to bear the spirit of distinction in the way and manner he manages our firm.

I have no hesitation whatsoever in endorsing Alex Muoka as General Secretary of the Nigerian Bar Association – for he will bring the much desired unity to our Association.

He has justifiably paid his dues in the run up to this National office from his impressive antecedents as Secretary of the Lagos Branch of the Nigerian Bar Association and Branch Chairman as well.

His sterling qualities have endeared him to friends and colleagues, many of whom speak about him with admiration. A brilliant lawyer and erudite writer, very detailed, highly principled and purpose driven. He takes no prisoners in his resolute determination to succeed.

Therefore, Alex Muoka has all it takes to raise the Nigerian Bar to another level.

Layo Olugbemi
HEAD OF CHAMBERS, A. MUOKA & CO

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